Obituary of Alex Q. Mataverde

 

February 1, 1943 - March 2, 2024

 

Dr. Alex Q. Mataverde of Grosse Ile, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 2, 2024, surrounded by loved ones, at the age of 81.

Alex was born on February 1, 1943, in Pila Laguna, Philippines, to the late Roman Relova Mataverde, a Geodetic Engineer and the late Rosario Remo Quiambao, a housewife. He was the oldest of six children: the late Roberto (Linda) Mataverde, Maria Fe Mataverde, the late Maria Esperanza (Generoso) Bonggo, Conrado (Minda) Mataverde and Maria Caridad Mataverde. He graduated from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines, where he received his medical degree in 1966. Alex came to the United States in 1968 sponsored by Cabrini and Cuneo Hospitals in Chicago, Illinois. He married the love of his life, Shirley Aguada, a nurse whom he met at the University of Santo Tomas, on June 28, 1969 and moved to  Detroit, Michigan, for residency and fellowship training at Wayne State University. After his fellowship in Internal Medicine with a specialty in endocrinology, he set up his own private medical practice in Dearborn, Michigan, in 1972 where he served his patients for almost 50 years until his retirement in 2021. He was affiliated with Outer Drive/PCHA then Oakwood / Beaumont / Corewell Hospital.

Alex was active in the medical and Filipino community in Michigan and held many roles including founder and first President of the Downriver Filipino American Association in 1989 which he continued to give his time until his death. In 1982, Alex was a Charter Member of the Brownstown Lions Club where he served as President, Membership Chairman, Scholarship Chairman and Zone Chairman of District 11-A-1.

Alex was an honest, humble, quiet, unassuming man. Known for his quick wit, infectious smile and kind and compassionate spirit, Alex was a man of few words as his friends would describe him.  He would just observe, listen and smile but once he got to know you, he would make you laugh and put you at ease. He had a good sense of humor and loved telling jokes.  He was always the life of the party. When there was a group laughing, Alex was surely amongst them. In addition to making people laugh, Alex enjoyed music, singing, playing the guitar and piano. He was a member of a band that played at Filipino parties and events. He loved to spend time with family and play mahjong with longtime friends. He also liked to watch the History Channel. Alex was an amazing son, brother, doctor, husband, father and Lolo. We love you and will miss you dearly.

Alex is survived by his wife Shirley and his two children, Vivian (Kevin) Nehilla of Rochester, Michigan, and Dr. Philip (Jessica) Mataverde of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and five precious grandchildren, Katelyn Nehilla, Colin Nehilla, Natalie Mataverde, Madeline Mataverde and Maxwell Mataverde.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, March 10th, 2024 from 1-9 PM at Molnar Funeral Home, 23700 West Road, Brownstown, Michigan, 48183. A scripture will be read by Father Marc at 5pm followed by a Rosary service.

A funeral mass will take place on Monday, March 11th, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 21599 Parke Lane, Grosse Ile, Michigan, 48138 at 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lions International Club.

 

Poem Composed by the RELENTLESS CLASSMATES AND FRIENDS of Ms. Shirley Mataverde 

.

 

Relentless Classmates and Friends

Amefely Garibay Young

Alice Manzano Baldomero

Conrado Sibayan Casem

Roger Domaoal Balagot

Dante Domingo Agdeppa

 

 

 

SO MANY SPLENDORED THINGS

 

Although we are now Apart

I am still so captivated by your love

You have been and always my Guiding Light

You are truly the Love of my Life.

 

Though I was Engulfed in the Dark Shadows

We will be together forever,

Throughout those dark moments

As I engaged in the battle

 

You were there with me

Not only witnessing the battles

But truly caring for me so lovingly.

 

In The Edge of darkest Night,

As the World we live in Turns

But in the bright Horizon,

A Flame on the cold breeze came

Oh, Shirley, my Love,

You are always in my Heart

Do not forget with your contageous Smile

We had so many Splendored Things.

 

So, please everytime you speak of me

Speak not with Tears flowing

Because the thoughts of me

Should not be with sadness.

 

Let the Memories of the Times

You are sharing gives you Comfort

Since my Life with you was remarkable

Because of you.

 

Although for now both of us have to part

However the parting was not my choice;

So, I will be with you along your Life's Journey

Forever In Your Heart, Mind And Soul

Because we had so many Splendored Things.

 

*** Revelation 21:4 -- "HE will wipe away every Tear from their Eyes, and Death shall be no more, Neither shall there be Mourning, nor Crying, nor Pain anymore, for the Former Things have Passed Away.”